In 1976 was farming near Laddonia, MO, some 18 miles from Mexico, MO

At birth in 1906, Walter was christened Walter Adolf Klusmann. But at his confirmation in 1920, after the First World War, and in his obituary the spelling of Adolf had been changed to Adolph and he had dropped the last “n” to become Klusman. These changed names were perhaps considered less German.

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Walter’s obituary:
Walter Adolph Klusman, 90, of Laddonia [Missouri], died at 11:50 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, 1996, at Audrain Medical Center.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Laddonia Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Maryanne VanBuskirk officiating. Burial will be in the Laddonia Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Doug Erdel, Bob Berry, Charles Klusman, Dan Erdel, Donald Shoup and Brian Erdel.

Visitation will be today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bienhoff Funeral Home in Laddonia.

Mr. Klusman was born March 16, 1906 in Mexico to Fredrich and Dorothea Doepke Klusman. On Oct. 15, 1932, in Laddonia, he married Emily Gorman, who survives at the home.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, William Klusman, Henry Klusman, Edward Klusman, August Klusman and Fred Klusman; and three sisters, Dora Fuher, Hilda Fuher and Clara Helwig.

A lifelong area resident and farmer, Mr. Klusman was a board member and agent for the Audrain County Farmers’ and Laborers’ Insurance Agency for 27 years. He enjoyed music, having played the organ, piano, keyboard, violin and guitar. In recent years, he had played the fiddle with the Laddonia Band for trips to area nursing homes.

He attended Prairie Lea School and confirmation school at the Bean Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Laddonia Presbyterian Church and served 46 continuous years as an active elder. Mr. Klusman was also an active member of the Laddonia Community Choir and the Laddonia Men’s Quartet for many years.

Memorial donations may be made to the Laddonia Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.